It is often the husband who takes the lead role in determining what investments a couple should make for their future. More often than not the wife is perfectly happy to not get too involved. However statistically, the wife will outlive her husband. If this happens, all the responsibility  will suddenly fall on the shoulders of the wife. It can be very stressful, especially in a time of bereavement – I have seen this first hand. It is important that all women (both single and married) have an understanding of the principles of financial planning or at least have a person to call on to help them with this. When financial planning is done right, it is anything but boring.